by Victoria Heinecke

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I see him, but not now;
    I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
    and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;“
Numbers 24:17a English Standard Version

For several months, people around the world have been watching the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the early evening sky. Tonight, just after sunset, the two planets will appear to join, a happening which hasn’t been witnessed in nearly 800 years. This astronomical event is being called “The Christmas Star” by many. It can be seen looking to the southwest. The other night, as we sang Christmas Carols and hymns downtown, a number of us remarked with excitement as the two planets appeared to be very close in the evening sky.

Two thousand years ago, Israel was an impoverished nation oppressed by Roman rule. God had sent no prophets for centuries, and the people looked desperately for hope, wondering when the Messiah would come to them.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Matthew 2:10 English Standard Version

God set a star in the sky to point the way to the Messiah. Magi – sometimes referred to as “wise men” – followed that star to Bethlehem, where they found the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12). Bearing gifts, they worshiped Jesus as the Messiah, “the anointed one.”

The Magi brought gifts to the One who is our gift from God.

God sent Jesus to save us from our sins and to be reconciled back to a right relationship with him. In the midst of the uncertainty that has been 2020, that relationship is a rock and an anchor. No earthly powers can cancel Christmas or dash our hopes when that peace rests in our hearts.

“The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
    on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
    you have increased its joy;“
Isaiah 9:2-3a English Standard Version

Thanks be to God for the best gift of Christmas. Be joyful! Give thanks! Rejoice!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photo copyright Tom Amerman. Used by permission.